Fujifilm X Summit, May 2024 Announcements
Fujifilm X-T50 launched at the Fujifilm X Summit in Sydney, May 2024
Preview of Fujifilm Announcements From the Fujifilm Sydney X Summit, May 2024
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Fujifilm X-T50, Fujifilm GFX100S II, XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR, and GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR
I haven’t been to Australia since 1993, so watching the Fujifilm X Summit from Sydney this morning was good fun. I could have watched it last night but it was late, 10 pm, and I didn’t expect any surprises at this event.
It’s not that the new cameras and lenses are not exciting but through the rumor mill, almost everything was known before launch, which is a bit of a shame. Call me old fashioned but I would rather not know what’s under the tree at Christmas and think back to Apple launches, way back, where you had no clue what was coming.
Enough of my wining. Let’s preview the new cameras and lenses.
The new Fujifilm GFX100S II
Fujifilm X-T50
From the Fujifilm Canada Press Release, - Please check my comments below.
Dedicated Film Simulation Mode Dial: For the first time on any X Series camera, the X-T50 features a dedicated Film Simulation dial for fast, easy access to a wide variety of Fujifilm Film Simulations. There are a total of 20 Film Simulation modes available for X-T50 including the recently introduced REALA ACE mode.
40.2 Megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR Sensor: The latest image processing algorithm in the fifth generation X Series cameras delivers high resolution while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio.
In-body Image Stabilization (IBIS) and Auto mode: Equipped with a 5-axis IBIS function with a maximum of 7.0 stops and an AI-based subject detection autofocus (AF) developed using deep learning technology, X-T50 can detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects, and drones.
6.2K/30P and 4K/60P video capabilities: Tracking AF functionality is also available for high-quality video recording.
Native Frame.io Camera to Cloud Connectivity: Allows users to wirelessly connect any X-T50 to an active internet connection, authenticate it to Frame.io, and automatically upload photos and videos just moments after they are created.
Three different colors for the new Fujifilm X-T50, silver, black, or charcoal grey
Comments on the X-T50
I love the X-T00 series as Fujifilm tends to hold very little back compared to the more expensive X-T0 series cameras. Fujifilm jumped straight from the X-T30 II to the X-T50 and there never was an X-T40.
At first glance, I thought the new film simulation dial was cheesy, but the more I think about there more I like it. I usually assign a custom button so that I quickly can access the film simulation. I shoot RAW but I always enjoy capturing the images with the film simulation that I envision the final image will have after editing.
This is often Acros, and I like to preview my images in the EVF or rear LCD in black and white. Another recent favorite is Nostalgic Negative, which I have used extensively for street photography.
The film simulation dial on the new Fujifilm X-T50
From the top tier X-H2 to the X-T5, and now X-T50 Fujifilm is offering its highest resolution sensor, the 40.2MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 5 HR Sensor which is pretty cool. Video specs are decent at 4K 60p, 6.2K 30p 4:2:2 10-Bit Video, and the X-T50 comes with 7-stop IBIS. This is indeed a very well-rounded camera.
Speaking of rounded. The appearance, while still having a chiseled look, is now more rounded, especially around the grip and I look forward to trying this when I can get a review unit.
Price
Body only, $1,399.00
With XF 15-45mm lens, $1,499.00
With XF 16-50mm lens, $1,699.00
Check availability at B&H Photo:
The new Fujifilm GFX100 II
Fujifilm GFX100S II
From the Fujifilm Canada Press Release, - Please check my comments below.
Large format sensor with 102MP: This has boosted the new sensor’s saturated electrons, enabling the use of ISO 80 as a standard sensitivity. At this setting and when shooting in 16-bit RAW, the camera can create images at greater dynamic range and with lower noise than with the previous GFX model.
Powerful IBIS mechanism in a compact body: The IBIS unit combined with gyro and acceleration sensors is designed to accurately depict even the slightest movement, along with the use of image information to detect shake and improve correction precision when creating an image.
Evolved high-speed, high precision autofocus (AF) and continuous shooting performance: Equipped with AI-based subject detection AF, developed with deep learning technology. It can detect animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects, and drones, and it features an improved AF predictive algorithm compared to previous GFX System models, enabling it to handle high-speed motion tracking situations effectively.
4K/30P video recording capability: With the new sensor in GFX100S II, the standard ISO100 is available in video mode to deliver even higher image quality in video footage than on previous GFX System models.
Comments on the GFX100 II
A couple of weeks ago I tested the Fujifilm GFX100 II and was again reminded of how good the 102-megapixel sensor is. The GFX100 II, however, has video specs that go way beyond my needs. It is also bigger, heavier, and more expensive than what my budget would allow for.
At $4999.00 I think Fujifilm has hit a sweet spot, not only price-wise, but also performance-wise and it will be a legit competitor and alternative for many photographers who otherwise would have considered full-frame options.
Notably, the new 5.76m-Dot OLED EVF jumped out at me as a must to distinguish the camera from the GFX100S.
If I was buying a GFX camera today, this would be the one.
Price
Body only, $4,999.00
Check availability at B&H Photo:
The new Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR
Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR
From the Fujifilm Canada Press Release
XF16-50mm is a standard zoom lens that covers a focal length range from wide-angle 16mm, (equivalent to 24mm in 35mm format) to medium telephoto 50mm (equivalent to 76mm in 35mm format).
It offers high-speed and high-precision autofocus, with a magnification of 0.3x at the telephoto end (equivalent to a magnification of 0.45x in 35mm format), allowing the user to get as close as approximately 4cm (1.4 inches) in minimum focusing distance throughout the zoom range and as close as 15cm (approximately 6 inches) from the front of the lens to the subject.
XF16-50mm features a weather-resistant structure (weather sealing applied to 13 areas of the lens barrel) and is temperature resistant down to -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing for versatile use in a wide range of scenes.
Adopting a lens configuration of 9 groups and 11 elements, including 3 aspherical lenses and 3 extra-low dispersion (ED) lenses, XF16-50mm suppresses chromatic aberration and maintains high-resolution performance throughout the zoom range.
In addition to its high-resolution performance, XF16-50mm also has a close-up capability equivalent to roughly half that of macro photography in 35mm format, making it effective for photographing food, crafts, plants, and various everyday scenes.
The new Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR
Lightweight Design
By optimizing the placement of the lens, XF16-50mm weighs approximately 240 grams (8.5 ounces), making it the lightest zoom lens in the XF lens lineup to date.
The constant-length design, in which the lens does not extend during zooming, provides a truly comfortable zoom operation for users.
Fast and accurate Autofocus
XF16-50mm uses the inner focus method, which drives a compact and lightweight group of focus lenses with a linear motor. In addition, the high-speed and high-precision autofocus system, achieved through the miniaturization of the focus lens group, creates accurate AF within approximately 0.015 seconds.
Price
Body only, $699.00
Check availability at B&H Photo:
The new Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR
The Fujifilm GF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR
From the Fujifilm Canada Press Release
Telephoto Capabilities Beyond What the Naked Eye Can See
By combining GF500mm with the FUJINON Teleconverter GF1.4X TC WR, users can expand the GF500mm's focal length, achieving a maximum focal length equivalent to 700mm (equivalent to 554mm in 35mm format).
With a lens construction consisting of 14 groups and 21 elements, including two Super Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lenses and five ED lenses, GF500mm effectively suppresses chromatic aberration specific to super telephoto lenses and achieves high-resolution performance. It accurately depicts a level of detail beyond what the naked eye can see.
In contrast to the usual heft of large format telephoto lenses, GF500mm tips the scales at only 1,375 grams (3.03lbs) In addition to its lightweight design, GF500mm’s optimal arrangement of ED lenses and Super ED lenses minimize chromatic aberration that is likely to occur with miniaturization, enabling GF500mm’s compact size, lightweight, and high-resolution performance.
GF500mm is temperature resistant down to -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit), and its weather-resistant structure features sealing at 18 points on the lens barrel. Furthermore, the front element of the lens is coated with fluorine, providing water-repellent and anti-smudge capabilities.
Fast, Accurate Autofocus
While maintaining high-resolution performance, GF500mm adopts an inner focus system that incorporates a small and light focus lens and drives the focus group using a linear motor. This enables fast and silent autofocus (AF) with a minimum delay of approximately 0.31 seconds.
The user’s desired focus can be shifted to a pre-defined location via the Focus Preset button.
The GF500mm also features the Focus Limiter function (a setting within the Focus Range Selector), allowing users to restrict the lens’s AF range to shorten AF time when photographing a subject that is generally at least 5 meters (16.4 feet) away.
also extends the front lens group during focusing to keep the overall lens size compact.
Price
Body only, $3,499.00
Check availability at B&H Photo:
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